New Literacy Hubs Launched in Portsmouth to Improve Children's Reading and Writing Skills

Strategic Insights -

In a bid to close the literacy gap in Portsmouth, a new project, the Literacy Hubs, is being launched to improve the reading, writing, and confidence of children from disadvantaged backgrounds. With nearly a quarter of the children in Portsmouth living in poverty, the project aims to provide a unique and creative learning environment that inspires young people to improve their literacy skills and fall in love with reading and writing. The first hub, The Pompey Pirates, is launching in September in the heart of the Charles Dickens Ward, where 44 per cent of children live in poverty.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Literacy Hubs is an education charity working in partnership with the University of Portsmouth and Portsmouth City Council to create a range of literacy hubs across the City and surrounding areas.
  • Nearly a quarter of the children in Portsmouth live in poverty, with 44 per cent of children living in poverty in the Charles Dickens Ward.
  • Children from low-income backgrounds are twice as likely to fall below expected levels of reading and writing by age 11 than their peers from wealthier homes.
  • The Literacy Hubs will provide a year-long program for children aged 9-13, with sessions held one day a week after school.
  • The program will be led by education professionals and community volunteers, with a focus on creative writing and reading projects.
  • The "Young Pirates" will publish their work in the form of storybooks, web apps, studio recordings, and films.
  • The project aims to inspire young people to improve their literacy skills and develop a lifelong passion for reading and writing.
  • Future Literacy Hubs are due to be launched in Gosport, Fratton, Leigh Park, and Paulsgrove.

Statistics:

  • 24% of children in Portsmouth live in poverty (no source specified)
  • 44% of children live in poverty in the Charles Dickens Ward (no source specified)
  • The literacy gap between disadvantaged children and their peers is likely to become wider due to school closures in response to the COVID-19 pandemic (Becca Dean, Founder and CEO of The Literacy Hubs)

Sources:

  • University of Portsmouth
  • UK Government
  • The Literacy Hubs (charity website)
  • Portsmouth City Council